A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa, a soldier serving with the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, to death by hanging for the brutal killing of a tricycle (keke) rider, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azere town, Bauchi State.
The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, found Musa guilty on multiple counts, including murder, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
According to details presented during the trial, Private Musa conspired with an accomplice known only as Oba to lure the unsuspecting victim, Isa, into his home under the pretense of needing help moving personal items.
Once inside, Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object and then strangled him to death.
In a bid to hide his crime, the soldier stuffed Isa’s body into a sack and dumped it in a remote area between Shira and Yala villages. Musa later sold the victim’s tricycle.
Investigators also discovered that the soldier was in unlawful possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, further compounding his charges.
While delivering the judgment, Brigadier General Bello condemned Musa’s actions in the strongest terms, calling them a disgrace to the military and a betrayal of the Army’s values.
“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens to a killer. Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian Army,” Gen. Bello declared.
He added that Musa’s conduct was a “grave violation of military values” and completely contrary to the Army’s constitutional duty to protect citizens.
For the charge of culpable homicide, Musa was sentenced to death by hanging, as provided under Section 221 of the Penal Code, which punishes violations of Section 220.
On the second charge, involving the unlawful possession of firearms, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, Musa received an additional two-year prison sentence and was dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy.
Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services for the 3 Division, spoke to journalists after the ruling.
He emphasized that the judgment reaffirms the Army’s firm stance on discipline and legal accountability.
“This judgment signifies the Nigerian Army’s resolve to ensure that no personnel operates outside the law or laid down standard operating procedures,” Major Mairuwa stated.
He added that the ruling serves as a clear message that the Army will not tolerate lawlessness within its ranks.
